Yesterday, after a visit to my barber on a quiet Sunday evening , I was stopped by the Traffic Police for inadvertently crossing a traffic signal a little too late. The violation was mine, and I readily accepted it.
What impressed me, however, was not the fine, but the professionalism with which the entire situation was handled.
The officer from Cinnamon Gardens was courteous, respectful, and efficient. He politely asked whether I had a banking app on my phone, then patiently guided me through the GovPay system, enabling me to pay the fine instantly on the spot. Once payment was confirmed, my licence was promptly returned. The whole process took only a few minutes β no unnecessary delay, no frustration. Just professionalism, courtesy, and technology working as it should.
As I reflected on the experience, I could not help but recall the early discussions we had with the Police and other stakeholders during my tenure as Minister of Justice on using technology to improve public services. Seeing those initiatives now delivering real benefits to citizens is quietly satisfying. It is a reminder that every worthwhile reform takes time, and that no sincere effort to improve public service is ever wasted.
We often focus on what is wrong in public administration. It is equally important to acknowledge what is working well. This was a simple but powerful example of how technology can improve governance, and how a public officer performing his duty with competence, integrity, and respect can strengthen public trust.
My compliments to the Sri Lanka Police, the GovPay initiative, and particularly the officer from Cinnamon Gardens who handled the matter with exemplary professionalism.
Technology can modernise systems. Professional public servants can transform public confidence. Together, they make government work better for everyone.
Well done. ππ±π°
Been calling the @SampathBankPLC card Centre for the past 2 days due to two βsystem glitchesβ which have deducted over LKR 900,000 from my credit card.
The response I get: βWe are conducting investigations and will get back to youβ. So disappointing for a bank I have been constantly saying has brilliant service.
The government is currently painfully slow in responding to the USD sliding. The fuel subsidies need to go immediately. Itβs pain in the short term, but if this continues we could head towards a bigger crisis.
I hope @CMOTamilnadu Mr. @TVKVijayHQ will take this matter seriously and act immediately.
Not only has the livelihood of our fishermen been severely affected, but recent incidents also highlight how dangerously vulnerable their lives have become.
@ForzenStur So the commission was setup to find any irregularities. Why would people come and complain to the commission? It's the job of the commission to investigate impartially